Manchester United survive Bodo/Glimt scare to claim first win under Ruben Amorim

Manchester United survived a scare against Bodo/Glimt as a Rasmus Hojlund brace ensured Ruben Amorim’s maiden match in the Old Trafford dugout ended in his first victory in charge.

The 39-year-old Portuguese was named Erik ten Hag’s successor at the start of November and received a warm welcome as he led the side out in the Europa League four days on from the 1-1 draw at Ipswich.

Amorim warned United would “suffer for a long period” after that first match and there were some hairy moments in his second game, but his side did enough to triumph 3-2 against Bodo.

First game as manager at Old Trafford ✅
First win ✅#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/LIPlpONVrA

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 28, 2024

Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring after 48 seconds, but for the visitors, who can wrap up a fourth Norwegian title in five seasons this weekend, would stun Old Trafford.

Bodo struck twice in four minutes through Hakon Evjen and Philip Zinckernagel, sending their 6,500 visiting fans – 12 per cent of the city’s population – wild.

But United supporters would end up celebrating in a week when the club have been roundly criticised for a new ticket pricing plan as Hojlund heeded the new head coach’s plea for more goals.

The striker scored a fine volley just before half-time to make it 2-2 and turned in another early in the second half as the Red Devils secured their second Europa League win of the new-look campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson watched from the directors’ box as Amorim managed at Old Trafford for the first time, with a flag in the Stretford End reading ‘Welcome home Ruben’ in Portuguese.

The head coach plumped for six changes on a night when his side made another flying start.

United struck within two minutes at Ipswich and